Delhi Pollution Curbs Explained: Which Vehicles Are Allowed to Enter the City
Delhi tightens pollution curbs, banning BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles, restricting non-BS6 entries, enforcing PUC checks, while allowing BS6, CNG and EVs.
Delhi has imposed a fresh set of vehicle restrictions as part of its ongoing pollution control measures, adding to the curbs already in place under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The tighter rules come into force amid a continued deterioration in air quality across the national capital.
Although GRAP Stage IV had already been implemented, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced additional restrictions on vehicle movement to further limit emissions from road transport. The city’s air quality has remained in the severe category over the past week, prompting authorities to expand enforcement measures.
Entry Ban on Non-Delhi Registered Vehicles Explained
Under GRAP Stage IV, BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles are not permitted to operate within Delhi. The restriction applies across vehicle categories, including private four-wheelers, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles. Only vehicles deployed for essential or emergency services are exempt from this rule.
In a further tightening of entry norms, the Delhi government has barred non–Delhi-registered vehicles that do not meet BS6 emission standards from entering the city. This restriction applies to both private and commercial vehicles and is effective immediately.
The ban has also been extended to commercial vehicles transporting construction material. According to the latest announcement, trucks carrying construction-related loads will not be allowed to enter Delhi, regardless of their emission category. Authorities have warned that violations will attract penalties and enforcement action.
Separately, the Supreme Court has modified its August 12 order that had earlier provided protection from coercive action for petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years. Under the revised order, protection will now apply only to vehicles that meet BS4 or higher emission standards. Vehicles complying with BS3 or lower norms have been excluded from this protection, allowing authorities to take action against them.
(Also Read: Delhi Pollution Leads To Ban On All BS3, BS4 Cars, Only BS6 Permitted)
Which Vehicles Are Allowed to Operate in Delhi
Despite the restrictions, several categories of vehicles continue to be allowed to operate within the city. All BS6-compliant vehicles are permitted, including private cars, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles. CNG-powered vehicles are also allowed to ply without restrictions, along with electric and hybrid vehicles.
Commercial vehicles running on cleaner fuels such as LNG, CNG, or electricity are permitted to operate within Delhi under the current regulations.
‘No PUCC, No Fuel’ Rule Comes Into Force
In addition to emission-based restrictions, the Delhi government has also enforced stricter compliance with Pollution Under Control (PUC) norms. Petrol pumps across the city have been instructed not to provide fuel to vehicles that do not have a valid PUC certificate. Officials have said that checks will be intensified to ensure adherence to this rule.
